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08 February 2010

Kunudiya Parvathaya

This monarch of a rock is one of the prominent sights from the top of Sri Pada. Those who travel from Palabaddala or Kuruwita will see many of its colossal elevations along those trails. Its singular appearance is further buoyed by its tremendous precipice.

This mountain, known as Kunudiya Parvathaya is situated within the peak wilderness area, west of Sri Pada. It juts out from the low country in one sheer, unbroken slope, to a height of over 5,000 feet above sea level. During the sun rise, the shadow of the Sri Pada Mountain could be seen hovering over this mountain like a gigantic triangular silhouette.

Loshini,Yes, I agree..the sheer drop at the side looks ominous! Five famed peaks? I’m not sure about what you meant here..well.. this mountain is not that famous although it is quite prominent. There are a few legends and folklores behind it..and a few writers have mentioned about this mountain while explaining their journey to Adam’s Peak.

George,Yep, the scenery from Sri Pada is second to none within Sri Lanka.

Betsy,It is customary to climb the mountain during night so that you reach the top by the dawn. So you get the chance to view the fascinating sun rise from the top as well as to attend the early morning ‘pooja’ at the temple.

Anonymous,Yep, I have not heard any one who have climbed this mountain yet.

Natural Moments,Yes it stands their like a ‘King’..It will be an extremely tough climb to the top but if you do so it will be one of the most rewarding :)

Rainfield,Yes, my favourite too. I will bring about more peaks around this area.

Chavie,Glad you have seen it. It is an amazing sight. Unfortunately I could not capture it this time.

err.. am not too sure myself but as a kid i read a comic about Buddha n how he visited a cave in ceylon at some ruler's invitation. early morning, when he looked eastward from the cave entrance, he saw 5 peaks : kunudiya parvathya, adva kanda, lasyakanda n two more...cant recall :P

Loshini,Oh Really! Now I get it clear. Sorry ..I could not figure it out earlier... :)

Adavi kanda and lasyakanda are also situated close to Kunudiya Parvathaya. May be the other two could be Varanagala and Parathala Kanda.

Anyway I would like to know more about that story..

There is a certain cave that Lord Buddha stayed for few hours during his visit to Sri Pada. The cave is known as 'Diva Guhawa'. But upto now, there are no conclusive evidence to prove, which one is this particular cave. There are many suggestions and quite a few believe that diva Guhawa is Batathota cave close to Kuruwita. If you look east from Batathota cave you can see all those 5 mountains.

So the story you have read and the view from Batathota cave is a perfect match!

No, I have not been to the top although it is very enticing. :) Kuruwita - Sri pada trail goes quite close to it, yet I do not think there are any paths to the top. Sri pada area is a ‘sanctuary’ as per ‘Protected areas of Sri Lanka’ defined by Department of Forest Conservation and Department of Wildlife Conservation of Sri Lanka. So entry permission is not required to enter Peak Wilderness (Samanala) Sanctuary area. You can refer more details here.

One of the stories I have heard about Kunudiya Parvathaya is mentioned below. I found the same story from William Skeen’s inspiring book - ‘Adam’s Peak’, (written in 1870) too.

‘Due to its most striking appearance, Lord Buddha initially wanted to imprint his holy foot print on top of this mountain. Knowing this wasawarthi maraya, the evil lord threw a killed rat snake on top of this mountain. So as per the story, Lord Buddha turned from there and went to Sri Pada. Since then it was known that all the water sprang from this mountain was dirty and unclean. Hence the name derived as kunudiya (foul water).’

hey! i always wondered what this rock was about. i called it cobra mountain coz from one angle it looked like the hood of a cobra. anyway, lets conquer. aurore will also love the adventure. btw, kuruwita is the best and most rewarding way but adams!